Worcester's Chocolate Day: PICTURES

CHOCOHOLICS were spoiled for choice as Worcester was transformed into a mouth-watering chocolate factory to delight the masses.

Worcester's Chocolate Day brought the sweet taste of success to the city's businesses and helped them get firmly on their feet after the floods, say organisers Worcester BID.

There was something for everyone at the event on Saturday, which makes a welcome return after three years absence. Highlights included chocolate beer, a chocolate-themed fashion show parade and workshops led by professional chef Mark Lloyd where people could get hands on experience under his expert eye, learning how to make chocolate fondants, sauces and Easter eggs.

Jason Creswell of Dines Green, Worcester, his partner Steph Lock and children, Rhys, seven and Sam, 15, and his girlfriend, Charlotte Tyrer, 15, were among those to hone their skills at the workshop.

There were even chocolate-coloured dogs to pet - Newfoundlands Cyndes and Bruna owned by welfare officers Marion and Chris Wilks of Malvern and Archie, owned by Taria Cavell as they collected funds for Veterans with Dogs. Magician "Wonky Wonka", said to be Willy's twin brother, left audiences spellbound with his magical tricks while the free truffle making, courtesy of Chocolate Deli (based at the city's New Street) was a big hit with the crowds.

Adrian Field, head of Worcester BID, said: "People were saying it would be a really good thing to bring back. It appeals to all ages. A lot of people like chocolate. Feedback has been really good."

The free face-painting in the High Street proved particularly popular with long queues forming.

Around 70 city businesses took part in the day which aims to bring more people into the city and give a boost to business with social media used to increase awareness of the day.

Mr Field said: "If people have a good time, more come back. It creates a vibrancy and it gives them a reason to come into Worcester. It puts Worcester on the map. It gets Worcester back on its feet after the floods. We have recovered more quickly than we did from the floods in July, 2007."

Friar Street had a touch of glamour when some head-turning models wearing some chocolate-box themed outfits courtesy of Rock Follies Vintage (Reindeer Court) used the city streets as their catwalk, bringing back some iconic styles form the 40s through the the 60s with their hair done by Emmarella Passaro. No less glamorous were the models from Stripes in The Foregate, modelling boutique brands, premium denims and Scandinavian clothing.